Who's Online

leash training

Any help with leash training will be helpful. I have a 3 month old female min pin who thinks the leash is a tug of war toy. I am trying to get her used to the leash before I take her to puppy classes. I would like to get a head start because of her hyper nature. I don't want to spend all of training class with her pulling and chewing on the leash. Thanks!!

We are going through this with our 4 month old lab/pit mix. We have tried sprays like bitter apple, but they don't seem to deter her. Our trainer suggested a "good dog" collar. We picked one up yesterday and she is really doing better with the pulling. Now she just wants to chew the leash more though so it doesnt pinch her. Here is the link to the collar we got. http://www.petco.com/product_info.asp?familyid=11578&sku=2984910513&tab=1&dept_id=160&c1=154&c2=155&c3=160&ct1=Collars%2C+Leashes+%26+ID+tags&ct2=Collars&ct3=Training

I have started using the Gentle Leader head collar with my 2 dogs. Before I just used the convential harnass and the dogs would pull and lunge. It's referred to as the "10 minute Attitude Adjustment" for dogs. It applies pressure to the back of the neck rather than the front reducing the dog's drive to pull forward. It works like a halter on a horse- where the nose goes, the body will follow. They suggest that puppies as early as 8-10 wks can be trained with the G.L. I was amazed what a difference it made on my dogs as soon as I put it on. For more info: http://www.gentleleader.com/pages.cfm?id=17

puppy cvlass teaches 'loose leash' walking. it is along process to get them ot learn it, it doesn;t happen overnite. you have to start out, and every time they pull, you stop, till the relax and there is slack in the leash. start, and as soon as they pull, you stop again. you can see how it can be very lengthy to teach. it may take you an hour to walk 100 feet!

I like the Gentle Leader, but my "pup" weighs in a bit more than most. I found that Beau thought of the leash as a torture instrument, something to be avoided at ALL costs! The trick to get him over it? Well, he's VERY food motivated. Did I mention VERY food motivated? I'd take a wee bit of the Natural Balance roll in my hand and get him in a "sit", with a tiny nibble for obeying right away. NONE if I had to repeat myself (that happened about once). Next, I'd attach the leash and let him sit for a minute with it on. Then I'd get up and place a slight bit of pressure on the leash, walking backwards with the treat in my hand. He would follow and get tiny tastes as along as he walked properly. I had to do a bit of walking backwards the first couple of times, but he finally got the idea and will now walk on a lead without too many problems. I didn't have a tug of war, or butt on the floor, dragging him along or the OH MY GOD, SHE"S KILLING ME bit after bribing him with his favorite food. Cheating, I know, but hey, it WORKED! I use the Gentle Leader with him because as an "unaltered" male, he tends to let his mind and body wander on a regular collar/leash. I follow the theory with him that where the head will go, the body will follow!

Thank you for your replies. Now I have some advice to think over and some options. And yes, I am not above bribing my puppy to help her catch on faster. She is so little and can get wild on the leash when she gets excited. I certainly do not want to strangle her but you have to keep them from running out into the street or get into some other trouble. I have been trying the leash inside so there is not so much excitement for her and to get her used to it. I will give these ideas and try and if I have success I will let you know what worked. Thanks again!!

scout used to chew on her leash also. one or two good pops out of her mouth was enough to convince her it wasn't a good idea anymore. now that she has gotten older she will sometimes decide she wants to go somewhere i am not headed. so she will back track to me, grab the slack of the leash and pull me in the direction she wants to go. its usually next door to her golden friends house to play. so i just plant my feet firmly and wait for her to give up the idea. she usually tries it 3 or 4 times and gives up the idea. it totally cracks me up when she does this.